Liverpool prodigy Jamie Cassidy’s shocking connection to multi-million pound drug ring
Jamie Cassidy, former Liverpool FC academy prodigy, faces life in prison after admitting his role in a multi-million-pound drug operation.
Jamie Cassidy, a former Liverpool FC academy prodigy, faces life in prison after admitting his role in a multi-million-pound drug operation. The 46-year-old played alongside Liverpool legends like Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen before injuries ended his career.
THE DRUG KINGPIN’S OPERATION
Jamie’s older brother, Jonathan Cassidy, 50, led the drug kingpin’s racket. They transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from South America into Europe. The drugs, hidden in modified vehicles, came via Amsterdam from Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia.
Jamie distributed the cocaine across England and Scotland once it reached Merseyside. Prosecutor Richard Wright, KC, stated that Jamie played an operational and managerial role in the cocaine importation business. Jonathan’s business partner, Nasar Ahmed, 51, also participated in the operation.
FROM LIVERPOOL STARDOM TO CRIMINAL DESCENT
Jamie Cassidy’s criminal descent contrasts his early promise. At 12, he joined the Liverpool FC academy alongside future stars like Carragher and Owen.
Carragher once said, “would have been a certain Liverpool regular if he hadn’t suffered so much with injuries”. At 15, Jamie was England Under-16s’ leading goal scorer and caught the attention of then Three Lions boss Glenn Hoddle.
He helped Liverpool win their first FA Youth Cup in 1996, alongside Carragher, Owen, and David Thompson, beating a West Ham side with Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.
THE LIVERPOOL PRODIGY’S DOWNFALL
In just six weeks from April to May 2020, the Cassidys organised deals that brought drugs worth more than £28 million (R670 million) to the UK. They laundered their money through a property business, investing in land and buying several Liverpool sites.
The EncroChat encrypted communications system bust by French detectives exposed their drug racket. Prosecutors say they have only seen a snapshot of the operation, which likely ran for years. After the Encrochat bust, Jonathan fled to Dubai, while police detained Jamie at his Knowsley home. Officers found his encrypted telephone, a black machete, and the police file on the operation.
Jamie Cassidy admitted conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and transfer criminal property. Jonathan Cassidy and Nasar Ahmed pleaded guilty to conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of controlled drugs, supply Class A drugs, and transfer criminal property. Judge Nicholas Dean, the Recorder of Manchester, will sentence all three.